Unit 3 , chapter 3

PELLETS

,DEFINISION
 Pellets can be defined as small,
free-flowing, spherical
particulates manufactured by
the agglomeration of fine
powders or granules of drug
substances and excipients using
appropriate processing
equipment.
 Size ranges between 500-
1500µm.
 It should hold maximum
quantity of active ingredients.




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, ADVANTAGES
 Uniformity of dose
 They disperse freely in gastric intestinal fluids due to small in size,
which gives a larger area for drug absorption and reduces peak
plasma fluctuation.
 Reduces accumulation of drugs which are irritant to gastric mucosa.
 The incompatible drugs or excipients can be prepared as a single
dosage form.
 Used for masking the bitter taste of unpalatable drugs.
 Pellets prevent from dose dumping and cause lesser side effects
when prepared in sustained release form.




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, DISADVANTAGES
 Pellets are usually filled in capsule which leads to increase the cost.
 Film coating of pellets can be destroyed due to compression of pellets
into tablets.
 Pellets size varies from formulation to formulation usually in the range
of 0.05 mm and 2 mm
 Excipients used are proportionally high.
 Lack of efficiency and manufacturing reproducibility.
 Huge amount of process variables.
 Various formulation steps.
 Advanced technology is essential.
 Skilled person is required for manufacturing.
 Multiple unit dosage forms is more difficult to manufacture and also
expensive .

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